Blue Earth
(Alteration, Evocation)
Level: 8
Range: 0
Components: S, M
Duration: Instantaneous
Casting Time: 8
Area of Effect: 20’ radius/level
Saving Throw: None
When the wizard casts this spell, the ground upon which he stands is blighted with a deadly supernatural chill. The chill affects only a 20’ radius around the caster the first round; however, the edges of its effect begins to spread outward in a slow ripple at a movement rate of 12, until the maximum area of effect is reached (20’ horizontal radius per caster level).
In the wake of the expanding spell effect, the ground and everything standing, growing, or constructed upon the ground is sheathed in a micro-thin layer of deadly cold ice, excepting the caster. The caster must remain still during the initial casting; however, once the spell is cast, he may move behind the dangerous “cold front” of the spell in perfect safety, allowing for the slippery surface that must be navigated. The contents of structures with solid walls of two or more feet in thickness are unaffected (unless the door is open), and the heights of structures or trees 30 or more feet tall are also unaffected by the icy coating.
Brittle inanimate objects within the area of effect must save vs. cold on the Item Saving Throw Table at the DM’s discretion or shatter with the sudden plunge in temperature. Plants are killed outright, trees taller than 30 feet survive, and plant monsters suffer 6d6+6 hp damage. Living beings (and plants) that fail to outrace the spreading area of effect also take 6d6+6 hp cold damage with no saving throw. Living beings (and plants) killed by this cold front stand frozen, and have a 25% chance of shattering if treated roughly within one minute of the wave’s passing.
Once the initial wave of cold has passed, the danger of freezing is gone. Those venturing into the slowly melting area of effect need only take precautions against slipping upon the incredibly slick surface. (A successful Dexterity check is required to maintain footing for each round of melee that occurs upon this icy surface.)
The material component of this spell is a diamond worth not less than 1,000 gp.
Notes: Found in the codex of silence; very rare spell.
